A grill press sometimes referred to as a steak weight or burger press, is made from cast iron and typically has a handle. The grill press is heated on the grill and then placed on top of the food. I have seen people use bricks wrapped in tin foil to simulate what a Grill Press does, while effective I do not know to many people that want bricks placed on their food. This is one of those grilling techniques that once you become comfortable with that you will use constantly and invent new uses for. Since a Grill Press is cast Iron it needs to be cared for like any other piece of cast iron cookware.

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How to use a Grill Press:

After the press is properly seasoned it is ready for use. Before each use wipe off any of the excess oil that may be left on it from storage. Place it on your grill directly over the heat, and then pre-heat the grill. Once the grill has achieved the desired temperature, move the press off to the side or onto an upper rack. Be sure to use a grill glove or a hot pad at all times when touching the hot grill press. Place your food on the grill and place the grill press on top and cook as you normally would with the exception of the time spent on the grill. Do not use a Grill Press when cooking delicate items such as fish fillets or loosely packed hamburgers. The weight of the press may push it through the grill gates. When flipping your food simply set the press off to the side directly on the grate. Use caution when grilling something that puts off a lot of grease, the bottom of the press will be coated in grease so do not place it directly over the flame.

Since your food is being compressed and cooked from both sides your grilling times will be cut by between 25 and 30% so adjust you cooking times accordingly. When you use this technique for the first few times be sure to use your thermometer to check for the proper temperature. When you are finished cooking allow the press to cool on the grill surface while the grill cools, and then it can be cleaned with a stiff brush and hot water. When it has dried coat the metal with cooking oil before storing. Do not use a grill brush to clean the surface of your press, if you do it will need to be re-seasoned before the next use.